– Fans who will be in the NYC area in August for SummerSlam weekend can check out the Bruce Prichard and Conrad’s Something To Wrestle live stage show at the Gramercy Theater.
– Pro Wrestling Tees has launched a new merchandise store for WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. The Heartbreak Kid already has 8 t-shirts up for sale. .
– It ain’t much – but the first video has surfaced of pyrotechnics being tested at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans ahead of Sunday’s WrestleMania 34.
This weekend’s WrestleMania 34 pay-per-view is sure to be one of the top pro wrestling shows of the year. WrestleMania is always a huge deal, but WWE has stacked the deck with this year’s show. The card is strong from top to bottom and there are several special attractions (Daniel Bryan’s return, Ronda Rousey’s debut, Styles vs. Nakamura) that all but guarantee this is a show that will stand out from a historical perspective.
As we march towards Sunday, we gathered some predictions from the SEScoops team, including Robert Lentini, Brad Davis, Jake Jeremy, Fernando Quiles Jr. and Roderick Stedman. Here are our predictions for each match on the card. We encourage you to share your own predictions in the comments thread!
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Robert: WWE likes to bring up NXT talent on special occasions. Andrade “Cien” Almas and Adam Cole were in the Royal Rumble match this year. Sullivan will be a force when he arrives on the main roster and maybe the WWE Universe will get a preview of that at WrestleMania 34.
Fernando: There should be some surprises at this year’s Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal and Rob Gronkowski have made their presence felt at the Battle Royal. I’m getting some WrestleMania 32 vibes with this one and I feel another NXT star will get the win here. My pick is Killian Dain.
Brad: This should be a fun filler match with some surprises, whether it’s NXT or the world of professional sports. I’d love to see a callback to WrestleMania 2 with a few New Orleans Saints NFL players, which you know the crowd would go nuts for. As for a prediction – I say Matt Hardy DELETES the other competitors and gets a WrestleMania Moment in this fifth installment of the Andre battle royal.
Roderick: Elias is a great shout. However I’m going to throw in a curve ball in the form of Big Cass who returns from injury.
Consensus: A Superstar From NXT
Women’s Battle Royal
Robert: Sasha Banks and Bayley haven’t been on the same page since the Elimination Chamber, where Banks betrayed Bayley and shoved her off one of the pods. I think Bayley will get her revenge in New Orleans and win the Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34.
Ian Carey: After doing something dastardly to Bayley, Sasha Banks.
Brad: There’s something oddly familiar about the shape of that trophy, I just can’t put my finger on it .. Anywho, Sasha Banks and Bayley kind of got the shaft by not getting a singles match on the main card. For that reason, I say one of those two get the win here – I’m going with the Boss.
Fernando: I expect more NXT stars to be a part of the women’s battle royal as well. While Sasha Banks and Bayley may be considered favorites to some, I believe they will cause each other’s eliminations and brawl to the back. It wouldn’t surprise me if a legend returns and wins it, but my pick is Becky Lynch as she needs this win perhaps more than anyone.
Roderick: Compared to the men’s battle royal, the women’s has a much larger pool of talent in the ring. Naomi, Ruby Riot, Natalya and Becky Lynch are just some of the competitors who could win the historic match. I’d like to see Bayley return to the reputation she had in NXT.
Consensus: Bayley
The Usos vs The New Day vs The Bludgeon Brothers
Robert: The Bludgeon Brothers have dominated New Day and The Usos lately and I don’t expect that to change at WrestleMania 34. The Usos will finally make a WrestleMania main card, but will drop their titles to Harper and Rowan.
Ian: I’m thinking The Uso’s win the triple threat tag match for the SmackDown Live tag team titles, but they will get the pin on New Day and not the Bludgeon Brothers.
Brad: This one has the potential to be a sleeper hit. The Usos and The New Day have had some killer matches and the Bro’s bring a level of physicality that changes the dynamic. WWE loves featuring The New Day, for better or for worse, and you could see WWE giving them to win so they can dance and celebrate a win on WWE’s biggest stage.
Fernando: No doubt about it, WWE seems high on this new gimmick for Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. The Usos and New Day have had a great rivalry, but SmackDown’s tag team division needs to spruce things up a bit. I don’t know if the Bludgeon Brothers are the answer, but I do believe they’ll become the new SmackDown tag team champions.
Roderick: Bludgeon Brothers. Just watch their recent attacks and matches on SmackDown Live. Harper’s agility and athleticism is remarkable!
Consensus: The Bludgeon Brothers
Cedric Alexander vs Mustafa Ali
Robert: Both Alexander and Ali deserve the title at this point. This match is a total toss-up. This is a match that is completely flying under the radar right now. I have no idea where it will wind up on the card, but I just know that it will be a highly entertaining match that will be worth watching.
Ian: I’m taking Cedric Alexander to defeat Mustafa Ali. Cedric has been so close many times and I feel this is his chance to finally wear the gold… or purple, or whatever.
Fernando: Man, this one is a tossup. Since the direction of 205 Live shifted, Alexander and Ali have been positioned as two of the most promising cruiserweights. I think Ali has gold in his future, but it won’t be at WrestleMania 34. It’s been a long time coming for Alexander and I believe he gets his rewards.
Roderick: Please don’t make me decide. They’re both worthy. Let’s go with Mustafa Ali to win so that Cedric Alexander can chase the title to win by SummerSlam.
Consensus: Cedric Alexander
Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Robert: Nia Jax deserves her WrestleMania moment and I think she is going to get it this year by defeating Alexa Bliss for the RAW Women’s Championship. WWE has been stop and go with Nia Jax. One week she looks like a dominant Superstar and then the next she is either losing a match or completely off the show. It is time for Nia Jax to become dominant on RAW every week.
Ian: Nia Jax will defeat Alexa Bliss. She might even squash her in a short match.
Fernando: WWE has been saving Alexa Bliss’ comeuppance for WrestleMania. Fans have been clamoring for Nia Jax to not only get her hands on Bliss, but to also capture her first title in WWE. I think she’ll do just that.
Brad: WWE has been getting pretty heavy handed with the body shaming of Nia Jax #Blubber. I don’t think she’s ready for a championship push yet – Alexa Bliss is a much more polished act – but WWE would be somewhat tone deaf to not give Nia the last laugh after all they’ve put her through and the empowering “comfortable with herself” message they’ve been pushing. Nia goes over.
Roderick: Alexa Bliss must have been pretty relieved when Asuka chose Charlotte for her WrestleMania opponent. However with Nia Jax, Bliss should still be extremely concerned. It is time for Nia Jax to become a dominant Superstar on RAW.
SEScoops Winner: Nia Jax
The Bar vs Braun Strowman & Unknown Partner
Braun Strowman (Photo: Instagram @WWE)
Robert: The tag divisions on both RAW and SmackDown need a jolt. Strowman is one of the most popular Superstars on the roster right now, so it will help the division if he becomes a tag champ. Sheamus & Cesaro could use a fresh start on SmackDown after WrestleMania.
Brad: Braun Strowman clearly does not need a partner, but he’s more than ready to wear his first championship gold in WWE. James Ellsworth would be the perfect pick – and they’re money in them as a wacky unlikely duo. Ellsworth will be in town for WrestleMania weekend – but I don’t see WWE bringing him back as a full-time performer this soon. Samoa Joe returns as Strowman’s partner and the two monsters terrorize RAW’s tag team division for months to come.
Fernando: Rumors have been swirling that Rey Mysterio will be Braun Strowman’s tag team partner to challenge Sheamus and Cesaro for their titles. I don’t care if Gillberg teams with Strowman, “The Monster Among Men” is walking out of WrestleMania with gold.
Roderick: Strowman is winning this one… on his own. No partner, no nothing.
Consensus: Braun Strowman
Randy Orton vs Bobby Roode vs Jinder Mahal vs Rusev
Robert: The crowd loves Rusev. He singlehandedly has made this match interesting and is the only Superstar I want to see win this Fatal 4-Way.
Fernando: Rusev may have been added to this United States title match at the last minute, but I think he’ll be celebrating Rusev Day with another U.S. title reign. The momentum Rusev has seems to be too great for even the WWE to ignore.
Brad: Had it not been for the addition of Rusev, this would have been my surefire bathroom/beer break. Jinder Mahal would be a logical choice here – and he was probably better suited for the US Championship than his never-ending WWE title reign, but WWE is not blind to the popularity of Rusev day.
Roderick: No one wants Randy Orton and Jinder Mahal to be in the same ring ever again, and while Bobby Roode has potential, and 2018 will surely be glorious, it’ll be Rusev’s Day without a doubt.
Consensus: Rusev
The Miz vs Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor
Robert: The Miz has done an admirable job with the Intercontinental Championship, but I think it is time he lets it go for a bit. Seth Rollins should be vying for the WWE Championship or the Universal Championship. I wouldn’t mind seeing Rollins switch brands during WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up following WrestleMania. He belongs in the main event and maybe he will get that chance on SmackDown. Finn Balor would make an awesome Intercontinental Champion because he is capable of putting on the best match of the night every time he goes to the ring.
Brad: The Miz just won the IC title back recently – he’s not dropping it just yet. The money is in the chase – and whether it’s Seth Rollins or Finn Balor who ultimately catches him, they’re going to continue running with Miz as champion.
Ian: The Intercontinental Championship Match to me is the hardest to predict. One line of thinking says Miz will hold the title until he is just about to break Morales’ record and then he’ll lose; another line of thinking is they can just do that story later anyway. I think Finn Balor takes the title his match however.
Fernando: Three main event wrestlers fighting for the Intercontinental title certainly should make the title seem relevant again. Miz has made it clear that he wants to be known as the greatest Intercontinental champion of all time. I think he steals one here and retains his gold.
Roderick: Finn Balor wins the match to set up a rematch which sees The Miz terrified by The Demon as only he could.
Consensus: Finn Balor
Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Robert: It wouldn’t be right for Daniel Bryan to lose his first match back in WWE. I am expecting someone to tap out to the Yes Lock, or get pinned following a running knee to the face from Bryan. I’m looking forward to the crowd reaction to Daniel Bryan more than the match itself. I’m not going to expect a ton out of Daniel Bryan in his first match. I think the crowd in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome will add a ton to this match and make it feel even more special.
Ian: I’m picking Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens to defeat Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon to get their jobs back.
Brad: A month ago, who would have imagined we’d be talking about Daniel Bryan’s in-ring return in the building that he achieved his biggest career milestone. Bryan and Shane will make for one hell of a team – but I say Shane turns on Bryan and screws him over. Owens and Zayn will pick up the win here – with Bryan feuding with all 3 in the months ahead.
Fernando: You couldn’t script it any better. Daniel Bryan’s return match is happening in the same place where he capture the WWE World Heavyweight title back at WrestleMania 30. I don’t see WWE giving Bryan a loss even with the possibility of Shane getting pinned. I see Bryan making Owens or Zayn tap to the “Yes Lock” sending the “Yep Movement” to Monday Night Raw.
Roderick: Prepare for waterworks, we could see tears as Daniel Bryan picks up the win on his return.
Consensus:Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon
Charlote Flair vs Asuka
Robert: Charlotte versus Asuka is one of the matches I am most looking forward to at WrestleMania 34. I think it would be a bad idea to end Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania 34. Asuka needs to win the title and continue winning. Charlotte could very well wind up being the Superstar that defeats Asuka, but just not at WrestleMania 34.
Fernando: It’s hard to imagine that Asuka’s streak would end before capturing a title and before going one-on-one with Ronda Rousey. Charlotte will provide the challenger with a stern test, but in the end I see Asuka taking it. I think she’ll make Charlotte pass out rather than tap.
Brad: There is still a lot of mileage in the thank for Asuka’s undefeated streak. I expect this to be one of the biggest matches on the show – and it really says a lot that WWE has two Japanese performers with limited English speaking ability challenging for two of the company’s top titles. These two have a very good chance of stealing the show and this is one of the matches I’m most looking forward to. I predict Asuaka is crowned queen and moves over to the SmackDown brand ahead of the next Superstar Shake-Up.
Roderick: If AJ Styles vs Nakamura doesn’t make match of the night, Charlotte versus Asuka will, with Asuka winning her first title on the main roster. What’s that I hear you ask? Will Carmella cash in? No.
Jake Jeremy: Charlotte vs Asuka will be one of the most important matches in WWE history. It could determine whether WWE takes a chance on the Women’s Division headlining next year’s show with Asuka vs Ronda Rousey. For now, Asuka to win.
Consensus: Asuka
Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
Robert: I’m hoping that this match turns out well. Rousey is new to the world of professional wrestling, so it was smart to place her in a match alongside Kurt Angle, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. I’m not expecting an instant class, but I think we will see Ronda Rousey force Stephanie McMahon to tap out.
Ian: Angle and Rousey defeat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This will bring Triple H’s WM losses up to 13.
Brad: Ronda Rousey’s first-ever professional wrestling match. Kurt Angle’s WrestleMania return. There’s no way in hell these two don’t go over. Yeah, there’s always the possibility of a screwy heel turn here, but I already predicted the screwy heel turn in the Bryan/Shane match. Rousey and Angle get their feel-good WrestleMania moment and WWE hammers home for Ronda Rousey that she made the right call by joining WWE.
Fernando: I can totally see Triple H and Stephanie picking up a win, even if it isn’t the right thing to do. At the same time, Triple H has a bevy of WrestleMania losses. For the sake of Ronda Rousey’s future and Kurt Angle’s WrestleMania return, I believe “The Game” and the bosses’ daughter will take a backseat.
Roderick: I’m predicting a simultaneous armbar/ankle lock during the match at some point, with Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle picking up the win.
Consensus: Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle
AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Robert: Nakamura won the men’s Royal Rumble match and immediately selected AJ Styles as his opponent at WrestleMania 34. It has been billed as a “dream match” and rightfully so. I’d like to see Shinsuke Nakamura win the WWE Championship on April 8th. Nakamura is an incredibly talented Superstar that has had an up and down first year on the main roster. It would be awesome to see his efforts culminate in winning the WWE Championship at the biggest show of the year. AJ Styles is the perfect opponent for Nakamura, as he will bring out the best in him. I simply cannot wait to see this match.
Brad: I predict this match steals the show and Shinsuke Nakamura is crowned WWE Champion.
Ian: AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura is another tough one. Which guy do you keep strong? I’m taking Nakamura to win the title here.
Fernando: When these two met at Wrestle Kingdom 10, the roof nearly blew off the Tokyo Dome. The atmosphere will still be insane. A lot has been made about the injury status of Styles. Honestly, even without the injury my pick remains unchanged. I’ve got Nakamura making history.
Roderick: If you compare the first year of Shinsuke Nakamura on the main roster with AJ Styles, it’s easy to give AJ Styles the win straight away. I think we’ve seen flashes of brilliance from Nakamura, while Styles has been Mr Consistency, but in the end I’d like to see Nakamura with the belt by the end of the night.
Jake Jeremy: This has been ‘The Match’ ever since the moment they stood opposite each other at Money In The Bank. WWE has done the right thing in keeping these two apart until now. As for who will win? Nakamura.
Consensus: Nakamura
Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns
Robert: I would be absolutely shocked if Roman Reigns does not defeat Brock Lesnar to become the new Universal Champion at WrestleMania 34. Everyone already knows that WWE wants Roman Reigns to be the face of the company and everyone is going to reject it again. Reigns will survive Suplex City, kick out of an F-5 and then win the match with a giant Spear. Yay.
Ian: Unfortunately, Roman Reigns defeats Brock Lesnar here.
Roderick: I’ve been told time and time again by SEScoops contributor Jake Jeremy that Roman was destined for the Universal Title at WrestleMania 34, even before he defeated The Undertaker… he’s been spot on the money all the way along.
Fernando: Roman Reigns has to win this match, right? Even if Lesnar re-signs with WWE, it’s hard to imagine having Lesnar reign much longer under his schedule. It’s even more difficult to picture WWE’s golden boy falling to a part-timer fair and square in the main event of WrestleMania. There really is no other option in my mind.
Jake Jeremy: If Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns mainevent, the crowd could (will) dampen the ending where Roman stands tall with the Universal title. Hopefully Cena/Taker or AJ/Nakamura main event to leave the crowd happy… potentially.
Brad: Is there really any other scenario here beyond Roman Reigns slaying the beast? Reigns has been getting better reactions from WWE crowds in recent months and WWE has done enough damage to part-timer Brock Lesnar that this probably won’t be rejected like it could have otherwise. The best part of this match is Reigns will finally beat Lesnar and this cloud that’s been looming over WWE for years will finally pass. Make no mistake about it – Roman Reigns is now “the guy” and we’ll move on to the next chapter of his story where the big plot point isn’t so predictable a 4th grader could see it coming a mile away.
Consensus: Roman Reigns
What do you think of our picks? What are your picks for this Sunday? We want to know! Hit up the comments and share your WrestleMania 34 predictions. .
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is finding her spot on the blue brand since being moved from WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, last year after WrestleMania 33.
The daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has been a core part of the women’s division in the sports entertainment company since being called up to the main roster in 2015 during the Women’s Revolution storyline.
She has won championships both in NXT and on the main roster.
The WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion recently spoke with Xfinity to promote WrestleMania 34 where she’s slated to defend her title against the undefeated Asuka. Flair has high expectations for this upcoming title defense.
“Like you said, there have been so many firsts. But for me personally, I’ve had so many big matches. But how have we not crossed paths? So, when Asuka won the Women’s Royal Rumble and I was in the ring with her and Alexa Bliss and then Ronda Rousey came out, I was thinking, “I really want Asuka to pick me. That’s who I want at Wrestlemania.”
Just the Empress vs. the Queen. Not to sound corny, but it just feels right. It’s the perfect storm. And she has so much respect worldwide and I have such respect for her and her style. She already has a story, with us not even having this long build, it just works. I have the title, she has the streak. Who’s supposed to beat who? It’s two bulls going head to head.”
“(Laughs) I’ll just shake her hand. Because everybody bows down to the queen.”
The biggest acquisition in recent years from the WWE has been signing of former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey, who is slated is set to team up with Kurt Angle to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a Mixed Tag Team Match at WrestleMania 34.
“I haven’t seen her since the Royal Rumble, but Ronda didn’t get where she is in UFC without working hard and dedication. I think the only thing that’s different in our industry is the level of entertainment that you have to put behind it. But, she’s already done movies. So, if she can excel at something like that, I know she can do the same here. Having Kurt Angle as a partner, I’m sure he’s given her loads of advice, being an Olympic athlete and making the transition to WWE.
I have no doubt in my mind that she’s been in pressure situations. She probably does better under pressure. I hope I get to see her at Wrestlemania and tell her, “You know who you are.” That’s what my dad always says, “Just know who you are when you walk through that curtain because that’s all that matters.”
WWE Monday Night RAW commentator Corey Graves recently did an interview with Rolling Stone to talk about several professional wrestling topics. Graves first discussed what it’s like doing commentary instead of competing inside the ring like he used to:
“I think I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t always something of a little glimmer of hope that something miraculously would change. But I’ve fully embraced my role now… I’m cool with wearing suits and talking about other people for a while, because I can hopefully do this a lot longer.”
Graves also briefly commented on calling his first WrestleMania this weekend in New Orleans, saying he gets goosebumps just thinking about it:
“I just get goosebumps talking about it.”
While Graves appreciates the praise he gets for his work on the commentary booth, he still holds Bobby Heenan and Jesse Ventura on a pedestal – and he still has a long way before he gets there:
“They are mythical creatures to me. I’d love to be in the same breath as them, but I probably won’t accept it someday, maybe not until I’m gone.”
You can read Graves’ full interview with Rolling Stone by clicking this link here.
– After RAW went off-air last night, RAW Tag Team Champions The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) hit the ring to attack Roman Reigns. John Cena’s music hit and The Leader Of The Cenation came down for the save. Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment and Reigns hit a Spear – both at the same time – to send the crowd home happy.
– In the opening segment of Monday Night RAW, a Q&A session took place inside the ring between Kurt Angle, Ronda Rousey, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon – hosted by Jonathan Coachman (which was awfully similar to a UFC pre-fight press conference).
During their face-offs things got physical between the four, which led to McMahon putting Rousey through a table. Rousey and Angle will team up against Triple H and Stephanie at WrestleMania 34. It will be Rousey’s official in-ring debut for WWE.
Rousey took to Instagram to comment on being put through a table, using a quote from George Santayana:
– Elias is not currently penciled in for a match at WrestleMania 34 this weekend, however, he noted on RAW last night that he’s preparing for the greatest performance of a lifetime in New Orleans this Sunday:
SportsBettingExperts.com Oddsmaker Jim Murphy has released the early betting odds for Sunday’s WrestleMania 34 event.
Roman Reigns is a slight favorite at -350 over Brock Lesnar at +300 to win the Universal Title. Also, AJ Styles is the underdog at +150 against Shinsuke Nakamura at -180 in the WWE Title Match.
WrestleMania 34 is set to be held on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event airs on pay-per-view (PPV) and WWE Network. It’s the most successful and longest-running professional wrestling event in history. Both Raw and SmackDown rosters will be featured.
Here are the betting odds:
WWE Universal Title Match Roman Reigns: -350 Brock Lesnar: +300 WWE Title Match AJ Styles: +150 Shinsuke Nakamura: -180 Tag Team Match Daniel Bryan/Shane McMahon: -250 Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn: +210 SmackDown Tag Team Title Match The Usos: +110 The Bludgeon Brothers: +130 The New Day: +250 John Cena: +210 The Undertaker: -250 United States Title Match Randy Orton: +110 Bobby Roode: +150 Rusev: +500 Jinder Mahal: +350 RAW Women’s Title Match Nia Jaxx: -250 Alexa Bliss: +210 Women’s Battle Royal Carmella wins: -210 Field wins: +180 Men’s Battle Royal Elias wins: -150 Field wins: +130 SmackDown Women’s Title Match Asuka: -350 Charlotte Flair: +300 WWE Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Match Finn Balor: +115 Seth Rollins: +150 The Miz: +350 Cruiserweight Title Match Cedric Alexander: -150 Mustafa Ali: +130 Mixed Tag Team Match Ronda Rousey/Kurt Angle: -750 Triple H/Stephanie McMahon: +500
For several weeks now, WWE fans have been wondering when the WWE will announce that John Cena would face The Undertaker at WrestleMania 34.
As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Atlanta, GA at the Philips Arena on the USA Network, Cena once again issued the challenge to “The Deadman” for a match at the biggest event of the year for the sports entertainment company.
Many fans of the WWE thought that with this episode being the go-home edition of WrestleMania 34 for the RAW brand, Taker would make an appearance and accept the challenge. However, that wasn’t the case.
Over the past few years, he has gone from being a full-time talent to a part-timer. After years of speculation of when Taker would retire from pro wrestling, it appeared that he had his farewell at WrestleMania 33 in the main event against Roman Reigns last year in Orlando, Florida. After the match, Taker put his gloves and hat in the middle of the ring before leaving.
Taker was last seen on WWE television back in January during the RAW 25 Anniversary episode where he cut a promo in the ring about how he has beaten everyone that there is to beat. Cena vs. Taker will reportedly take place at WrestleMania with the WWE announcing the match during the show.
“Will The Undertaker return to battle John Cena at WrestleMania? After coming up short in several attempts to secure a WrestleMania bout, including the Royal Rumble Match, a career-altering contest inside Elimination Chamber and a WWE Championship Six-Pack Challenge Match at WWE Fastlane, John Cena has seen his Road to WrestleMania hit a dead end. However, before accepting his fate and preparing to go to The Showcase of the Immortals as a member of the WWE Universe, The Leader of the Cenation decided to exhaust one more option and challenged The Undertaker to a one-on-one match on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
So, what now for Cena? With The Undertaker offering no answer to his challenge, perhaps the showdown between the two iconic Superstars is simply not meant to be. Is Cena destined to experience this year’s Showcase of The Immortals as a spectator? Will he aid another Superstar to victory or perhaps offer his expert knowledge of The Grandest Stage of Them All as a guest commentator? Or, is there still a chance that a match between John Cena and The Undertaker may take place? Find out this Sunday at WrestleMania, streaming live on WWE Network at a special start time of 7 ET/4 PT”
WrestleMania 34 is set to be held on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event airs on pay-per-view (PPV) and WWE Network. It’s the most successful and longest-running professional wrestling event in history.
WWE has announced the following for the two-hour WrestleMania 34 Kickoff pre-show on Sunday – the fifth annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, the inaugural WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal and the finals for the vacant WWE Cruiserweight Title with Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali.
The WrestleMania 34 Kickoff pre-show will begin at 5pm EST on Sunday. As noted, the second hour of the Kickoff will also air live on the USA Network.
WrestleMania 34 takes place on Sunday, April 8th from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Below is the updated confirmed WrestleMania card:
Confirmed Matches:
WWE Universal Title Match
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
WWE Title Match
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles
Triple Threat for the WWE Intercontinental Title
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz
Fatal 4 Way for the WWE United States Title
Rusev vs. Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton
RAW Women’s Title Match
Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss
SmackDown Women’s Title Match
Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair
RAW Tag Team Title Match
Braun Strowman and a partner vs. Cesaro and Sheamus
Triple Threat for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles
The New Day vs. The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Usos
Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Zayn and Owens will get their jobs back if they win, they will remain fired if they lose.
Kickoff Pre-show: Finals of the WWE Cruiserweight Title Tournament
Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali
Kickoff Pre-show: Inaugural WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
Mickie James, Bayley, Naomi, Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Ruby Riott, Lana, Natalya, Sasha Banks, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, TBA
Kickoff Pre-show: Fifth Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Scott Dawson, Dash Wilder, Baron Corbin, Tye Dillinger, Mojo Rawley, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Tyler Breeze, Fandango, TBA
Roman Reigns was recently interviewed by CBS Sports to promote WrestleMania 34 this weekend, where he’ll challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship in what’s expected to be the night’s main event. Reigns was asked about his main event WrestleMania match last year, in which he became the second-ever man to defeat The Undertaker at The Showcase Of The Immortals.
Reigns said that he feels the match could’ve been better, and he mostly puts the blame on himself for it not living up to expectations:
“For me, what made it so hard was how heavy it was. You know, if I wrestled The Undertaker 20 years ago at the beginning or the middle of his career, probably not. But the positioning I found myself in, it just felt really heavy and so much more emotional than I was ready for it to be, so I think that was the hardest thing … but, you know, the coolest thing because I think that just shows the gravity of the situation, the responsibility of the placement [on the card] and just who I was sharing the ring with.
“And that’s just how special he is. I just feel like maybe I wasn’t good enough or maybe it could have been better on my behalf, but I always hold The Undertaker in so high in that regard that I just feel like maybe I could have done better. But I enjoyed it.
“I really learned a huge amount in the ring with him; you know, to being in the ring with him for one singles match and to have it be at that level, to be able to pick something up in just 30-40 minutes from another performer — it just goes to show how good he is.”
You can listen to Reigns’ interview with CBS Sports by clicking this link here.
WWE Hall of Famer and current General Manager of the flagship show of the sports entertainment company, Monday Night RAW, Kurt Angle decided to take some time to reflect on his career.
He left the WWE in 2006 but returned last year to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Ever since it was announced that Angle would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, fans started speculating that he would wrestle again in the biggest sports entertainment company in the world. Angle returned to in-ring competition under the WWE banner at last year’s Survivor Series pay-per-view event in November.
Now, he’s slated to team up with former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34 in a Mixed Tag Team Match.
Angle posted the following on Instagram to reflect on his 12-year absence from WrestleMania. He wrote the following:
“12 years have gone by since my last Wrestlemania. Can’t wait to perform on the biggest stage of all stages. It’s in my blood. Hey New Orleans…. I’m comin’ !!! #itstrue #wrestlemania34 #TeamAngle/Rousey.”
– WWE COO Triple H and Monday Night RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon are currently scheduled to compete in a Mixed Tag Team match against RAW General Manager Kurt Angle and ex-UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey.
This will be Rousey’s first match in her professional wrestling career. “The Game” took to Twitter to post the following video on he and Stephanie’s preparations for New Orleans, as well as what WWE means to them:
– Two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair recently launched his own line of suits with Mr. Custom Made, and currently offers 12 items ranging from $595 to $795. The Ric Flair Collection can be found via this link.
TMZ Sports posted a video reviewing Flair’s suit line, and noted Flair has sent pairs to stars such as The Rock and Jamie Foxx, among many more. Check it out:
– Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion Vader underwent successful open-heart surgery this past Monday. Vader has been battling congestive heart failure and was given a short time left to live last year. Vader recently took to Twitter to comment on his situation after receiving surgery, and noted that he was in quite a bit of pain:
Fear no Man Feel no Pain!!!! I am sorry to say the feel no pain is a bunch of BS. Worst pain I’ve ever been in, even worse than getting hit in the back with a shovel by @RealMickFoley.
– WWE took to Twitter to invite fans to join them at Razoo Club & Patio the Thursday before WrestleMania for a special performance by a mystery WWE Superstar. While there’s no more news on the matter, it could be speculated that Elias could be that mystery Superstar:
It looks like WWE may have made an announcement a little too early than they would’ve liked.
On last night’s episode of SmackDown Live, it was announced that SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions The Usos would defend their titles in a Triple Threat Tag Team match against The New Day and The Bludgeon Brothers.
A recent report from Sportskeeda suggests that match is going to be a Tables Ladders and Chairs bout, and WWE accidentally leaked that info shortly after the official announcement on the WWE App.
Some people reported on Twitter that the WWE App announced the match as a TLC match before quickly removing the announcement soon after:
For the past several days wrestling fans have been in a bit of a scare as AJ Styles has been dealing with an undisclosed injury as of late. This puts the “dream match” between Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34 in jeopardy. Nakamura won the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble and elected to challenge for Styles’ WWE Championship in New Orleans. This is a match fans have been wanting to see for quite some time, especially given the pair’s history in Japan.
Recently Styles said that he would work on one leg if it meant making the WrestleMania dream match happen. There’s some good news in regards to Styles’ injury, as he returned to action this past weekend when he teamed up with The New Day in Eight-Man Tag Team action. He didn’t do much work in the match, but the fact he was cleared to work it should be a good sign. In a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that he doesn’t think the injury is any big issue since he worked this weekend.
He acknowledged Styles didn’t work much in the matches he was in, however, did note that the fact he’s cleared to compete is a good sign. Meltzer said there’s nothing to worry about in Styles working the match at WrestleMania, and said even if he’s on one leg he and Nakamura will still put on a great match. He also speculated that Styles’ injury could be MCL related, however, that has yet to be confirmed.
Lilian Garcia will serve as the guest ring announcer for the first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.
The Battle Royal will feature competitors from Raw, SmackDown Live and NXT. Talent confirmed for the match includes:
Sasha Banks
Natalya
Becky Lynch
Naomi
The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan)
Other women’s matches scheduled for WrestleMania include Asuka challenging Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and Nia Jax challenging Alexa Bliss for the RAW Women’s Championship. In one of the card’s featured matches, Rond Rousey makes her WWE in-ring debut teaming with Kurt Angle against former WWE Women’s Champion Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.
WrestleMania 34 takes place on Sunday, April 8th from New Orleans, Louisiana at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
It looks like WWE is planning on filming three separate WWE Network documentaries during WrestleMania 34. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer reports that the first one is likely to be a WWE 24 episode on WrestleMania 34 itself. This will likely be made up of backstage footage, as is per usual for similar documentaries WWE has already produced. The second documentary will document The Undertaker’s comeback to “The Show Of Shows” for his match with John Cena.
Although the match has yet to be announced on WWE TV, it’s still expected “The Deadman” will be returning this year to challenge “The Leader Of The Cenation.” Taker was featured in the WrestleMania 33 documentary last year and it showed some out-of-character comments from him about returning to the ring and mentioning that he doesn’t want to be a shell of his former self. It’s possible the documentary focused on The Undertaker could feature a lot more of the same, and include some workout footage from the Texan’s training as well.
The third and final documentary being worked on, as some of you may have guessed, is based on Ronda Rousey’s WWE in-ring debut at WrestleMania. Rousey will be teaming up with RAW General Manager Kurt Angle against the team of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a Mixed Tag Team match. It will be extremely interesting to see how Rousey acts backstage before making her highly-anticipated in-ring debut on professional wrestling’s biggest show.
There was also a mention that WWE could be filming a Table For 3 special as well, and that Rousey has been pitched to appear on one of these. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more…
Newsweek.com has published an interview with Bruce Prichard of the wildly popular Something To Wrestle podcast. Here are some highlights:
Prichard told Phillip Martinez from Newsweek that he’s really looking forward to WresetleMania, especially the top few matches. As a longtime member of Vince McMahon’s inner circle, Prichard has seen it all when it comes to booking WrestleMania main events. When asked about WWE’s portrayal of Brock Lesnar in the Universal Championship match at WM34, Prichard says WWE has done the right thing by limiting Lesnar’s exposure and keeping him as a special attraction.
“It depends on your perspective,” Prichard said. “In a situation where Brock is champion, he’s coming in for a certain number of days doing what he does, and when he comes in, he draws people. People are interested in what he does. So from my point of view, not having to overexpose the talent is a great thing. People become complacent and used to the talent. When you’re only getting them every once in a while, that adds to the talent’s mystique… Whether it’s Brock’s idea or WWE’s idea, I think it’s a good one for a big draw to only be seen in a limited way.”
Regarding the WWE Championship match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, Prichard compared Styles success to that of a rookie Kurt Angle. He also praised Nakamura, who has gotten over with the WWE Universe on work rate and charisma without speaking much English.
John Cena’s role at WrestleMania has not been made official as of this writing, but it seems like the 16-time world champion is headed for showdown with The Undertaker. Prichard said fans love The Undertaker so much that he could wrestle several more years and people would eat it up. The Undertaker’s physical ailments are well-documented, but Prichard revealed that he saw the Dead Man several months ago and he looked to be in great physical shape.
“I saw him recently, around Thanksgiving, and I haven’t seen him look that good in 10-15 years … He was skipping up steps and looked great.”
There’s a lot more to the interview, which you can check out at Newsweek.com.
WrestleMania takes place in just over two weeks, yet top star John Cena is still without an opponent for the biggest show of the year.
Cena has been on a mission to secure The Undertaker’s opponent. So far, he’s yet get a response. After failing to punch his ticket to WrestleMania in the Elimination Chamber and at Fastlane, Cena once again threw out the challenge to “The Deadman.” Cena called out The Undertaker once again this past week on RAW, but that brought out Kane, who delivered a chokeslam. They’ll square off next week on RAW.
As per a rumor at Cageside Seats, WWE might wait until the “go-home” addition of RAW prior to WrestleMania to make the Cena vs. Undertaker match official.
It seems like a questionable decision to wait until the last minute to confirm one of the most high-profile matches on the WrestleMania card, but the lineup is already stacked, so WWE must be confident that fans are already sold on the event. Seriously, look at this lineup:
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (Daniel Bryan & Shane likely to be added)
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Bálor
US Champion Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Bobby Roode
Mustafa Ali vs. Cedric Alexander to crown a new Cruiserweight Champion
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
The first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal Match
Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Braun Strowman and a partner of his choosing
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
John Cena vs. The Undertaker is a huge match that fans have wanted to see for years. Granted, it would have been a hotter match 3 years ago, but it’s historic nonetheless. At this point, Cena vs. Taker would be the icing on the cake of an already-stacked event.
WWE announced on Tuesday evening that United States Champion Randy Orton will defend the gold at WrestleMania in a triple threat match against Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal.
On 205 Live from Dallas, Texas, Mustafa Ali defeated Drew Gulak in the tournament semi-final match. As a result, it will be Ali vs. Cedric Alexander in the tournament finals to crown a new Cruiserweight champion at WrestleMania.
With those matches set, here’s the updated card for WrestleMania 34, which takes place on Sunday, April 8th from New Orleans, Louisiana at the Mercedes-Benz SuperDome.
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Bálor
US Champion Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Bobby Roode
Mustafa Ali vs. Cedric Alexander to crown a new Cruiserweight Champion
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
The first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal Match
Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Braun Strowman and a partner of his choosing
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
What do you think of the WrestleMania 34 card? Which match are you most looking forward to?
– In one of Cody Rhodes’ latest Tweets he nudged at the possibility of his upcoming “All In” event in Chicago featuring pyrotechnics. The event goes down on September 1st from The Sears Center Arena, which holds up to 11,800 fans:
You better Slick Nick, because today's "All In" production call also included the revised budget…and I might have hyperventilated…#Pyro#wtfhttps://t.co/e9ID7oUkw0
– This week marks 14 years since late-WWE Hall Of Famer Eddie Guerrero defeated Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 20 to retain his WWE Championship. The Monday Night RAW General Manager took to Instagram to pay homage to his fallen friend:
“14 years ago to this day, I shared the ring with possibly the greatest overall performer of all time, #eddieguerrero. He always had something up his sleeve, and he didn’t disappoint in this Wrestlemania Showdown. Thank you Eddie. #LieCheatSteal #itstrue”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgT3HtdBrNZ/
– WWE has posted its latest installment of “List This!” on their YouTube channel. This week’s episode features the five shortest WrestleMania matches ever. Check them out here:
It’s not that easy getting booked for WrestleMania – just ask John Cena.
In an effort to secure a spot on WWE’s biggest card of the year, SmackDown Live star Rusev put out an open challenge for celebrities to step and test their might in front of 75,000 fans.
Rusev got several responses, including actor Skylar Astin and even The Rock volunteering the services of his friend and frequent co-star, Kevin Hart.
I challenge @RusevBUL to a match at Wrestlemania. But I’m assembling my faction first! And if you think I’m outmatched, wait until you hear who I have in mind for my stable… ? ?? ? ? https://t.co/RYy51EL21z
Rusev, who almost always backs up his tough talk, walked back his open challenge and claims he can’t hit the man who portrayed iconic film characters like Kevin McAllister (Home Alone) and Richie Rich.
WrestleMania is returning to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, April 7th, 2019. This will be the fourth WrestleMania being held in New Jersey, following WrestleMania IV and V at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City (1988 and 1989) and WrestleMania 29 (2013) from MetLife.
Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports first broke the news on Twitter back in January. Several media outlets, including the New York Post and NJ.com, ran stories on Thursday night stating that an announcement from WWE was coming Friday morning. The company has since confirmed the reports.
In addition to Wrestlemania 35, that will weekend will also feature an NXT: Takeover event, the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and the post-Mania Raw and Smackdown broadcasts all taking place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The location of the AXXESS fan fest has yet to be announced.
“There is so much to celebrate in WrestleMania returning to New York and New Jersey in 2019, where we look forward to building upon all the amazing successes from 2013,” John Saboor, WWE’s executive vice president of special events, told The New York Post.
WWE announced on Thursday that the Women’s Battle Royal match scheduled for WrestleMania 34 will no longer be known as the Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal.
Following a strong backlash about Moolah’s name being used to celebrate women’s empowerment, the company ultimately decided against honoring the controversial former Women’s champion. The company issued the following statement addressing the change:
“After further consideration, we believe it’s best to proceed with the name ‘WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.’
What remains most important is that this historic match is part of WWE’s unwavering commitment to the Women’s Division.”
Thank you @WWEUniverse for using your voice. What remains most important is that the “@WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal” will be a historic match and is part of @WWE’s unwavering commitment to our Women’s Division. #WomensEvolution#ChangeTheName
For more on why the Fabulous Moolah was a profoundly poor representative for WWE’s women’s movement, check out this article by David Bixenspan over at Deadspin:
– It looks like WrestleMania 34’s card will feature two Triple Threat matches for WWE titles. We’ve already seen that Monday Night RAW General Manager Kurt Angle has announced The Miz will be defending his Intercontinental Title in one against Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer reports that SmackDown Live will have a Triple Threat Title match of their own.
United States Champion Randy Orton is expected to defend his strap against both Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal in New Orleans. Roode announced his intentions to use his rematch clause at WrestleMania against Orton, after losing the strap this past weekend at Fastlane to “The Viper.” Mahal recently picked up a singles win over Bobby Roode, however, so it’s possible he’s added to the match on SmackDown Live next week.
– As for the finals of the 205 Live Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Meltzer reports the plan has always been for Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali to take place in the finals. After Alexander already solidified his place in the finals, Mustafa Ali vs. Drew Gulak will take place on next week’s 205 Live to determine Alexander’s opponent. It was also added that Alexander vs. Ali was the idea for the finals once the idea was developed to have the match take place at WrestleMania.
With WrestleMania 34 just weeks away, the WWE is reportedly creating a new special about the biggest event of the year for the sports entertainment company.
According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWinsider, the production team of WWE is making a new special “Wrestlemania’s Greatest Moments” currently.
Based on the report, it was noted that the special would be 60 minutes and air on the WWE Network. Also, there are plans to air an edited version of the special on the USA Network.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on when it will air on WWE’s streaming service or their television partner.
